PRESS RELEASE – Charity Status for The People’s Mosquito

The Peoples’ Mosquito Ltd formed with sights set on Registered Charity status

On 17th July 2012 The Peoples’ Mosquito became an Incorporated Charity. This is technically a company Limited by Guarantee – which means it has no shareholders and issues no dividends.

The Articles of Association state that the company is set up as a charity with the sole purpose, referred to in the Articles as its Object, being the acquisition and restoration to flight of a De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito aircraft for heritage, conservation and educational purposes. The ongoing maintenance and operation of the aircraft in an airworthy condition and the display of the aircraft to the public. Further, the Articles ensure that the income and property of the charity will be applied solely towards that end. The company will apply for registered charity status once it fulfils all the necessary requirements.

John Lilley, Project Lead, says “This is a hugely significant step forward for the project. Becoming a charity will strengthen the credibility of the project and enable us to take real steps towards securing funding and sponsorship”.

Formed in December 2011, The People’s Mosquito has a simple vision: to restore a de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito to flying condition and return it to the skies. The project began life on Twitter when warbird restorer and aviation fanatic John Lilley tweeted about his longstanding idea of getting a Mosquito flying in the UK again.

The individuals behind the People’s Mosquito project all have one thing in common – a passion for aircraft. They are united by a love of aviation history and a desire to see one of the Second World War’s most distinguished aircraft fly again.

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Notes to Editors

Artist’s visualization of restored RL249 available for publication.

Project Lead John Lilley is available for interview/comment. He is, however, currently working in China and therefore an interview would be best done via Skype or Google+. Please contact Nick Horrox who will arrange this with John if required.